System of placement of shingles on a roof, a plurality of shingles thus placed, and a roof with such shingles thereon

ABSTRACT

A system of placement of adjacent roofing shingles on a roof is provided, whereby the horizontal spacing of adjacent shingles, the vertical placement of shingles, and the proper angular orientation of shingles is provided, due to a system of indicia on a visible upper surface of the shingles. A plurality of adjacent appropriately oriented shingles and appropriately placed shingles are provided, as is a roof having a plurality of shingles laid up thereon in courses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention deals with the art of placing generally rigid simulated slate, tile or wood shake shingles on a roof. Generally, such shingles are of the rigid type, simulating slate, tile, or wood shakes.

It is desirable in placing shingles on a roof, to properly space adjacent shingles from one another, to allow for expansion and contraction with variations in temperature, and to properly align adjacent shingles so that shingles in the same course have upper and lower edges that are aligned with adjacent shingles in that course, and such that adjacent shingles in a given course are spaced the same distance from each other between the upper and lower edges of the shingles, rather than being cocked at an undesirable angle, all to assure that the visual appearance of the roof is that of a generally uniform, consistent shingle placement, for aesthetic purposes.

THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is directed to providing a system of placement of adjacent roofing shingles on a roof, such that the placement of adjacent shingles, when laid up on a roof, are in accordance with a predetermined desired placement as to lateral spacing, vertical spacing and alignment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a system of placement of adjacent shingles is provided based upon visual indicia that appear on the top surfaces of the shingles.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a system of placement of adjacent roofing shingles of the real or simulated tile, slate, or shake types, on a roof, such that the placement of adjacent shingles, when laid up on a roof, is in accordance with a predetermined desired placement as to lateral spacing, vertical spacing, and angular alignment.

It is another object of this invention to accomplish the above object, while providing a plurality of adjacent shingles disposed on a roof.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a roof having a plurality of shingles of the type described above, laid up in courses in accordance with the system described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a synthetic, generally rigid shingle in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a roof having a plurality of courses of shingles of the type of FIG. 1 disposed thereon, with adjacent shingles in each course being also in accordance with shingles as set forth in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C depict shingles of the type of FIG. 1, with construction lines disposed thereon and therebetween having vertices that converge at desired predetermined points corresponding to desired placements of adjacent shingles relative to each other.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate shingles of the type of FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively, with indicia on the shingles, which indicia correspond to corresponding construction lines to those set forth in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 4C illustrates a shingle of the type illustrated in FIG. 3C, but wherein the vertical placement of the shingle is lower than that illustrated for the shingles 4A and 4B, such that the solid indicia lines thereon at the right side of FIG. 4B and at the left side of FIG. 4C are not aligned, as is illustrated by the broken lines appearing in each of FIGS. 4B and 4C.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate shingles of the type of FIG. 1, but wherein construction lines of an alternative type to those set forth in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are used, which construction lines illustrate an alternative embodiment for construction lines for determining relative placement of adjacent shingles.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate shingles of the type of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively, wherein indicia lines on the upper surfaces of the shingles correspond to the construction lines illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, for directing predetermined placement of the shingles of FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C in accordance with desired spacing and alignment, in which the angled solid lines are illustrated in alignment, from shingle-to-shingle.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate shingles of the type of FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, but wherein the indicia in the form of angled lines of adjacent shingles, are not aligned from shingle-to-shingle, either because of improper spacing between the shingles of FIGS. 7A and 7B, or because of improper angle placement between the shingles of FIGS. 7B and 7C, as indicated by the broken lines appearing in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate shingles of the type of FIG. 1, with angled construction lines provided between and connecting FIGS. 8A and 8B, indicating desired relative placement of the shingles of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 8C and the right end of FIG. 8B, illustrate shingles with indicia on upper surfaces thereof, that correspond to the construction lines shown connecting FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate shingles having angled indicia lines thereon, as in FIGS. 8B and 8C, with the alignment of one of the lines indicating one optional placement of the shingles of FIGS. 9A and 9B, spaced apart a given distance such that one of the indicia lines between the two shingles 9A and 9B is aligned, and the other is not.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a pair of shingles of the type of FIGS. 9A and 9B, with similar angled line indicia thereon similar to those set forth in FIGS. 9A and 9B, but wherein a different angled indicia line indicates an alternative optional relative spacing between the shingles of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in detail, reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the invention is set forth as indicating a shingle and an array of shingles laid up in courses on a roof, in accordance with a means of easily spacing synthetic slate, tile and/or shake roofing products during installation, in order to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, while minimizing the problems of proper shingle placement, by providing indicia on surfaces of shingles that provide a readily recognizable conformity of adjacent shingles with a desired predetermined spacing and alignment therebetween, for obtaining proper visual spacing and alignment of synthetic shingles on a roof.

Thus, visual indicia are provided on the top surfaces of the shingles. Proper alignment of the visual indicia or markings provide information as to whether or not adjacent shingles are appropriately spaced apart to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, as to whether or not the shingles are vertically spaced so that upper edges of adjacent shingles are appropriately aligned, as to whether or not lower edges of adjacent shingles are properly aligned, and as to whether or not side edges of adjacent shingle are properly aligned, as well as to have appropriate aesthetic effect in giving the appearance of an installation of a natural slate, tile or shake product.

Accordingly, a synthetic, generally rigid or substantially rigid shingle 11 is provided having an outer or top surface 12, upper and lower edges 13 and 14, respectively, left and right edges 15 and 16 respectively, a bottom surface 17, with or without appropriate relief 18 or the like in the upper surface 12 thereof, in order to provide the appearance of and simulate natural materials.

With reference to FIG. 2, it will be seen that a plurality of shingles 11 are laid up on a roof 20, in the form of a plurality of courses 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, with next-overlying shingles in a given course partially covering the upper ends of shingles in a next underlying course, as shown in FIG. 2.

With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, it will be seen that a plurality of shingles 11 are disposed relative to each other at a predetermined lateral spacing 26 relative to each other.

Angled construction lines 27 and 28 are shown overlying the shingles 11 of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, as are horizontal construction lines 30 and 31. It will be seen, for example, between shingles 3A and 3B, that angled construction line 28 of shingle 3A, intersects the left edge 15 of shingle 3B at the same point or mark 29 that horizontal construction line 30 of shingle 3B intersects the left edge 15 of shingle 3B, and that horizontal construction line 31 of shingle 3A intersects the left edge of the shingle illustrated in FIG. 3B, at the same point as intersecting horizontal line 30 of the shingle of FIG. 3B, in alignment therewith. Similarly, angled construction line 97 of the shingle 3B intersects the right edge 16 of the shingle of FIG. 3A at the same point or mark 19 as its intersection with horizontal construction line 31 of the shingle of FIG. 3A at edge 16 of FIG. 3A, with the construction lines 30 and 39 of FIGS. 3B and 3A, also aligned.

Similarly, the alignment of the construction lines 30, 31, 27 and 28 between the shingles of FIGS. 3B and 3C are aligned in the same manner as the construction lines described above between FIGS. 3A and 3B.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, it will be seen that shingles 4A and 4B are provided with indicia lines 27′, 28′, 30′ and 31′, corresponding to the construction lines 27, 28, 30 and 31 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, and that the relative placement and alignment of the shingles of FIGS. 4A and 4B are the same as set forth for the shingles of FIGS. 3A and 3B, by the construction lines 27-31, with the projected extensions of lines 28′ and 27′ in alignment with points or narks 29′ and 19′ respectively, as shown, when shingles of FIGS. 4A and 4B are property aligned in accordance with a predetermined desired placement. While the marks 19′ and 29′ comprise ends of lines 31′ and 30′ respectively, they could alternatively comprise marks or dots or the like at side edges 15, 16 respectively, but on the upper surfaces or edge surfaces of the shingles.

However, with reference to FIGS. 4B and 4C, it will be seen that the vertical placement of the shingle illustrated in FIG. 4C relative to that of the shingle illustrated in FIG. 4B, is offset an amount D. This amount D corresponds to the misalignment D′ illustrated between horizontal lines 31″ and 30″ for the shingles illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C, respectively, in that extension line 32 in the illustration of FIG. 4C, which is an extension of line 31″ in the illustration of FIG. 4B, is spaced above indicia line 30″ in the illustration of FIG. 4C an amount D′. Similarly, it will be seen in the illustrations of FIGS. 4B and 4C, that angled indicia line 27″ of FIG. 4C, for example, if extended as shown in FIG. 4B would not intersect the right edge 16 of the shingle 11 of FIG. 4B, where horizontal indicia line 31″intersects right edge 16 of the shingle 11 illustrated in FIG. 4B. Similarly, the extension line into the illustration of FIG. 4C, of angled indicia line 28″ of the shingle of FIG. 4B does not intersect the left edge 15 of the shingle 11 of FIG. 4C where the horizontal indicia line 30″ illustrated in FIG. 4C intersects the left edge 15 of the shingle 11 illustrated in FIG. 4C.

Thus, both the horizontal indicia lines 31″ and 30″ of the illustrations of FIGS. 4B and 4C and the angled indicia lines 28″ and 27″ of the illustrations of FIGS. 4B and 4C, because of their misalignment relative to the corresponding lines 31′, 28′, 30′ and 27′ between the illustrations of FIGS. 4A and 4B, demonstrate in two separate ways, the vertical misalignment between the shingles 11 of illustrations 4B and 4C, in the amount of the distance “D”.

With reference now to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, the shingles 11 are indicated as having angled construction lines 40, 41 and 42 at the left sides 15 of the shingles 11, and other angled construction lines 43, 44 and 45, alongside side edges 16 of the shingles 11 of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, all indicating a preferred predetermined placement between shingles 11 of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, it will be seen that shingles 11 are displayed therein, spaced apart and aligned, in the manner of the shingles of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively, wherein angled indicia lines 40′, 41′, 42′, 43′, 44′ and 45′ correspond to the construction lines 40-45 of the illustrations of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, but that the indicia lines 40′-45′ are scribed in or otherwise appear on the top surfaces of the shingles 11 as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, indicating a corresponding proper placement of the shingles 11 illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, to the planned placement in accordance with the construction lines 40-45 of the illustrations of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C.

Referring now to the illustrations of FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, it will be seen first, that the lateral spacing between the shingles 11 of FIGS. 7A and 7B, being at a spacing indicated by the numeral 47, is more widely spaced than the spacing 46 for the shingles 11 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, which spacing 46 had been predetermined to correspond with a spacing 46 between the shingles of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. Thus, because of this wider spacing 47 between the shingles 11 of FIGS. 7A and 7B, it will be seen that the indicia lines 43″, 44′ and 45″, do not aligning with the angled indicia lines 40″, 41″ and 42″ of the shingle 11 of FIG. 7B, but rather are displaced or offset therefrom as indicated by the broken extension lines of the indicia lines 40″-45″ appearing adjacent the right side 16 of the illustration of FIG. 7A and at the left side 15 of the illustration of FIG. 7B. Thus, the failure of the indicia lines 40″-45″ to align between the illustrations of FIGS. 7A and 7B is an indication that the spacing 47 between those shingles 11 is not as it is supposed to be as it would be if the shingles were appropriately spaced apart as planned, and as indicated in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C.

With reference to the spacing 48 between the shingles 11 illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C, it will be seen that the corresponding respective edges 16 and 15 are at an angle “a” to each other, rather than being parallel to each other, and that consequently, the angled indicia lines 40″-45″, are likewise not aligned, and the failure of such alignment between those lines at the right side of FIG. 7B and the left side of FIG. 7C provides another visual indication of the improper alignment of edges 15 and 16 between the shingles illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C.

It will thus be seen that one can visually sight along both angled indicia lines and horizontal indicia lines on the outer, upper surfaces of the shingles 11, in order to determine whether the alignment of edges of the shingles is appropriate, whether the lateral spacing is appropriate, and/or whether the vertical spacing is appropriate.

With reference now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, it will be seen that an additional type of spacing feature is provided.

The construction lines 50 and 51 in the illustration of FIG. 8A become construction lines 52 and 53 at the left side of the illustration of FIG. 8B, and they are aligned as indicated. At the right side of the shingle 11 of FIG. 8B, there are corresponding indicia lines 50′ and 51′, adjacent edge 16, corresponding to the construction lines 50 and 51 in the illustration of FIG. 8A. Similarly, in the illustration of FIG. 8C, there are corresponding indicia markings or lines 52′ and 53′, to the construction lines 52 and 53 of FIG. 8B.

In FIGS. 9A and 9B, it will be seen that a first option is provided for a predetermined spacing 60 between the adjacent shingles 11 illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, in which indicia lines 50′ and 52′ are visually aligned whereas indicia lines 51′ and 53′ in the respective shingles 11 of FIGS. 9A and 9B are not aligned. This gives one an option of having a first optional spacing 60 between the shingles 11 of FIGS. 9A and 9B.

However, with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the indicia lines 50′-53′ can be used to provide another optional lateral spacing 61 between the shingles illustrate in FIGS. 10A and 10B, wherein indicia lines 51′ and 53′ on the top surfaces of the shingles illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B are aligned, whereas angled indicia lines 50′ and 52′ on respective top surfaces of the shingles 11 illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B are not aligned, in accordance with a predetermined different lateral spacing 61 between the shingles 11 illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Thus, the indicia lines 50′-53′ may provide different alternative predetermined spacings 60 and 61 between adjacent shingles, such that one can select which sight line is properly aligned, in accordance with a predetermined spacing, recognizing that one of the other sight lines in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B are not aligned, to project a continuous line between adjacent shingles.

Thus, selection of the appropriate pair of sight lines on two adjacent shingles can provide a tool whereby the same shingle may be used with different controlled spacings, with the spacings being controlled by proper selection of the sight lines.

It will thus be understood that the broken lines indicate improper spacing or improper vertical or angular alignment, and visual bends that might appear along a sight line would indicate an undesirable canting or angular placement of one shingle relative to an adjacent shingle.

Furthermore, placement of the indicia at different positions vertically along a shingle can provide an indication of desired exposure length of the weather surface of the shingle, by indicating conformance with a proper predetermined vertical placement of one shingle relative to an adjacent shingle.

The indicia markings described above can be provided on the top surface of the shingle by a variety of techniques. Such techniques could include printing, stamping, embossing, branding, etching, coating, molding, and the like, or any of the above. In the case of molding, complex shapes that would be difficult to de-mold would preferably be avoided, in order to simplify the mold designs and processing of the shingles.

It will thus be understood that this invention provides an advantage in properly spacing shingles, that includes an ease of installation by simplifying spacing and alignment of the shingles, and ease of molding because the avoidance of extra components or parts or shapes that might otherwise cause undesirable complications in molding or de-molding.

It will be apparent from the above that various modifications may be made in the details of the markings, and or construction of the shingles in accordance with this invention, all within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A system of placement of adjacent roofing shingles of the real or simulated tile, slate or shake types on a roof, such that the placement of adjacent shingles when laid up on a roof as to lateral spacing, vertical spacing and alignment, is in accordance with a predetermined desired placement, comprising: (a) a plurality of shingles having top and bottom surfaces, upper and lower edges and right and left side edges, with the shingles being adapted to be laid up on a roof with their bottom surfaces disposed toward the roof and their top surfaces facing generally upwardly; and (b) visual indicia on top surfaces of the shingles; (c) with the visual indicia including at least one line disposed on each said shingle; (d) with said at least one line being non-perpendicular to and non-parallel to any of said upper, lower, right and left side edges of said shingle; and (e) with a projected extension of said at least one line of a given shingle being in a predetermined visual intersection with at least one different line of a next-adjacent shingle when the two adjacent shingles are laid up on a roof with the predetermined desired placement and not being in the predetermined visual intersection with said at least one different line of a next-adjacent shingle when the two adjacent shingles are laid up on a roof and not having the predetermined desired placement.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one line of each said given shingle is at an acute angle to a side edge of a said shingle, and wherein said at least one different line of a said adjacent shingle is at an acute angle to a side edge of said adjacent shingle.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein each said shingle has at least a second line comprising a visual indicium on a top surface of said shingle.
 4. The system of claim 3, with a projected extension of said at least a second line visually aligning with an at least one different second line of a next-adjacent shingle when the two adjacent shingles are laid up on a roof with the predetermined desired placement and not aligning with an at least one said different second line of a next-adjacent shingle when the two adjacent shingles are laid up on a roof and not having the predetermined desired placement.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein each at least said second line is generally perpendicular to a side edge of the shingle on which the at least one said different second line is disposed.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein each said at least one said different second line is at an acute angle to a side edge of the shingle on which the second line is disposed.
 7. A system of placement of adjacent roofing shingles of the real or simulated tile, slate or shake types on a roof, such that the placement of adjacent shingles, when laid up on a roof as to lateral spacing, vertical spacing and alignment, is in accordance with a predetermined desired placement, comprising: (a) a plurality of shingles having top and bottom surfaces, upper and lower edges and right and left side edges, with the shingles being adapted to be laid up on a roof with their bottom surfaces disposed toward the roof and their top surfaces facing generally upwardly; and (b) visual indicia on top surfaces of the shingles; (c) with the visual indicia including at least one line disposed on each said shingle; (d) with said at least one line being non-perpendicular to and non-parallel to any of said upper, lower, right and left side edges of said shingle; (e) at least one mark comprising visual indicia on a top surface of each said shingle; and (f) with a projected extension of said at least one line of a given shingle being in a predetermined visual intersection with a different mark of a next adjacent shingle when the two adjacent shingles are laid up on a roof with the predetermined placement and not being) in the predetermined visual intersection with said different mark of a next adjacent shingle when the two adjacent shingles are laid up on a roof and not having the predetermined desired placement.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein each said mark on each said shingle comprises the intersection of a different line with a side edge of the shingle on which the different line is disposed.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said different line is a substantially horizontal line.
 10. A plurality of adjacent shingles disposed on a roof in accordance with the system of any one of claims 1-9.
 11. A roof having a plurality of shingles laid up in courses in accordance with the system of any one of claims 1-9. 